Fitchburg man arrested after alleged chase

Police said a West Street man nearly ran them down as he fled a domestic disturbance Wednesday night.

Sgt. Ryan Malatos said they went to 297 West St. about 5:15 p.m. for a domestic disturbance.

When they arrived, Mark Swaine, 41, of that address, got in a pickup truck and tried to drive away. He ignored commands to stop and almost ran over two officers at the scene, Sgt. Malatos said.

A brief chase ensued, and even after the pursuit was terminated, Mr. Swaine just missed driving into another police cruiser, which had nothing to do with the chase.

The sergeant said that a few hours later, Mr. Swaine turned himself in at police headquarters.

He was arrested and charged with assault and battery; assault with a dangerous weapon (motor vehicle); attempted murder; intimidation of a witness; reckless driving; failure to stop; speeding; a marked lanes violation; and leaving the scene of a property damage accident.

The victim in the initial domestic disturbance was taken to a local hospital to be treated for facial injuries. No police officers were injured in the chase, Sgt. Malatos said.

Mr. Swaine was being held overnight on $10,000 cash bail, and is scheduled to be arraigned Thursday in Leominster District Court.